Gr8LakesCamper

Friday, December 9, 2016

Lori and Leo Constine spent time as volunteer campground hosts in Hartwick Pines State Park this past fall helping campers, answering questions and taking part in the annual fall Harvest Festival. (DNR photo)

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is seeking volunteer campground hosts for the 2017 camping season in Michigan state parks, recreation areas and rustic state forest campgrounds.

Spend time in Michigan's great outdoors, while engaging with park visitors. Volunteer campground hosts are responsible for 30 hours of service per week, including duties such as helping campers find their campsites, answering questions about the park, planning campground activities and performing light park maintenance duties. Camping fees will be waived for campground hosts.

Both individuals and couples may apply for volunteer positions that begin as early as April and last through October. Volunteer hosts must provide their own camping equipment, food and other personal items.

Interested volunteers can click on "campground host" at www.michigan.gov/dnrvolunteers to learn more about the volunteer host campground program, download an application and waiver and view a vacancy host campground report, which is updated regularly and indicates when and where hosts are needed in specific parks.

Hosts are screened and interviewed by park managers and selected based on familiarity with the state park system, camping experience, special skills, availability and knowledge of the area. Hosts must participate in a two-day host training session within the first two years of being selected as a host. The 2017 training will take place June 7-8 at the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center in Roscommon.

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

About We're the Russos
In 2015, Joe and Kait Russo quit their jobs, sold their home, and got rid of most of their possessions to live their dream – travel and work for themselves. Together with their rescue dog, Leo, the Russos are traveling all across North America seeking adventure. Their rig is a 2015 Newmar Bay Star, a gas motorhome coming in just shy of 30 feet. Visit their website for tons of more information about the Russos and their travels. You can also subscribe to their YouTube channel, where they have videos on RVing, Living Life on Your Terms, Following their Adventure, and more, plus they're on Twitter and Facebook. You can also help support them via their Patreon site.

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

The RV Geeks offer RV maintenance, repair & travel tips from “Do-It-Ourselves” full-time RVers. They’ve handled most of their own RV maintenance during more than a decade of exploring North America. While not RV technicians, the RV Geeks are mechanically inclined and have learned a lot about RV systems over the years. They handle most of their own minor service, repair and upgrade work on their 2005 43-foot Newmar Mountain Aire diesel pusher. They also maintained their 2002 39′ Fleetwood Bounder Diesel during their first two years on the road. Visit their website and subscribe to their YouTube channel.

Monday, December 5, 2016

The RV Geeks offer RV maintenance, repair & travel tips from “Do-It-Ourselves” full-time RVers. They’ve handled most of their own RV maintenance during more than a decade of exploring North America. While not RV technicians, the RV Geeks are mechanically inclined and have learned a lot about RV systems over the years. They handle most of their own minor service, repair and upgrade work on their 2005 43-foot Newmar Mountain Aire diesel pusher. They also maintained their 2002 39′ Fleetwood Bounder Diesel during their first two years on the road. Visit their website and subscribe to their YouTube channel.

Sunday, December 4, 2016

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources recently announced the December schedule of volunteer stewardship workdays at state parks and recreation areas in southeast and southwest Michigan.

A volunteer helps remove invasive species at Belle Isle Park. Volunteer efforts at state park workdays like these are critical in helping to protect Michigan's natural areas.

Volunteers are needed to cut invasive, non-native shrubs like glossy buckthorn, autumn olive, multi-flora rose and others to help restore important ecosystems. These activities are a great way to enjoy the outdoors while restoring high-quality, unique ecosystems and learning more about them.

Watch the brief video (above) to learn more about why these volunteer stewardship efforts are so important to protecting natural areas and ecosystems in Michigan state parks and recreation areas.

The DNR's Volunteer Stewardship Program is a hands-on way for all ages to learn about and protect Michigan's natural resources by collecting native seeds, removing invasive species, conducting plant and animal surveys and more. Other ways to volunteer with the DNR include joining a state park friends group, serving as a campground host or a lightkeeper and many other opportunities.

Saturday, December 3, 2016

On this week's program (#2016-26), Rollin' On TV looks back on 2016 and some of the stories they covered, and a couple of feature stories including the Jayco Jay Feather Hybrid, and a visit to KZ RV.

About Rollin' On TV

In production since 2010, Rollin' On TV has become one of the leading RV lifestyle television programs on the air today, reaching over 30 million homes on both cable and satellite TV. The weekly program is also available online. For more information, visit www.rollinontv.com.

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Editor's note: Because I work for RVBusiness, a trade magazine covering the RV industry, I'm often asked which are the best RV manufacturers. My response is usually the same: For the most part each manufacturer tries to build the best RV they can. Granted, there are going to be lemons coming off the line because people make mistakes, and RV production is still a highly labor intensive process. There are certain differences here and there – all aluminum framework and composite materials being one – and each manufacturer will tell you why they have the best quality. But as long as you take care of it, your RV should last a long time. Here's another way to tell which manufacturers are better than others. Each year the RV dealers select which manufacturers they think are the best at least in part due to reliability and quality.

RVDA to Recognize Manufacturers with Quality Circle Awards
The Recreation Vehicle Dealer Association (RVDA) will honor RV brands built by 15 manufacturers with its Quality Circle Award in Louisville, just prior to the opening of the National RV Trade Show. These brands/manufacturers/product categories received at least 15 dealer responses and scored 4.25 or above on a 5-point scale in overall dealer satisfaction in the association’s 23rd Annual Dealer Satisfaction Index (DSI) survey.

“The DSI Quality Circle Award recognizes the high level of success these manufacturers have had in working with their dealer business partners,” said RVDA Chairman of the Board Darrel Friesen of All Seasons RV Center in Yuba City, CA. “Their commitment to continuously improving products and services ultimately helps dealers serve customers better and preserves our industry’s share of consumers’ discretionary dollars.”

The towable RV manufacturers/brands receiving awards are (in alphabetical order by manufacturer):

When rating their brands/manufacturers, RVDA asks dealers to express, confidentially, their level of satisfaction on four core issues:

Reliability/quality

Parts

Warranty

Sales

The 23rd Annual DSI survey was conducted between August and October 2016. Four hundred and eighty-one (481) dealers responded to the survey this year and provided 2,755 brand ratings, an average of almost six per dealer.

Monday, November 21, 2016

As millions of adventurers choose to #OptOutside, several states across the country have announced their plans to waive fees to park systems on Nov. 25. State parks join a growing number (475 to date) of corporate, nonprofit and public sector organizations that are helping people spend more time in the outdoors this holiday season, and several state, local and federal parks that are always free.

“More than 1.8 million people are planning to #OptOutside with us on Black Friday. It’s amazing to see so many park systems join in the movement to give Americans even more ways to connect with our country’s inspiring outdoor places. We are grateful for the park stewards and professionals who make the outdoor American experience so vibrant,” said Jerry Stritzke, REI’s CEO and president.

“America’s state parks welcome people who venture out early to get the best deals and need to decompress in the afternoon, as well as those who prefer to avoid the crowds completely,” said Lewis Ledford, executive director of the National Association of State Park Directors. “These experiences can be enjoyed within a short drive from home virtually anywhere in the country.”

State park systems that are waiving fees on Black Friday include:

Arizona*

California*

Colorado

Delaware

Indiana

Kansas

Michigan

Minnesota

Nevada*

New Mexico

Oregon

Vermont

Virginia*

State park systems that have free basic admission every day include:

Arkansas

Illinois

Iowa

Missouri

Montana*

North Carolina

Ohio

Pennsylvania

Tennessee

For the past three weeks, REI has helped promote different leaders discussing the importance of building and sustaining local, state and national outdoor places. Two of these perspectives, which were featured on REI’s Co-op Journal, include:

Will Rogers, President and CEO of the Trust for Public Land, recently noted that in 25 of the country’s largest cities, “more than half of residents under age nineteen don’t have a place to play outdoors close to home.”

Martha Roskowski, vice president of Innovation at People for Bikes, also recently highlighted the importance of building cycling networks within our towns and cities, so commuting to nearby places to play outdoors is easier.

Additional information on #OptOutside, the co-op’s partners and how to join the movement is available at REI.com/opt-outside.

That National Association of State Park Directors promotes and advances the state park systems of America for their own significance, as well as for their important contributions to the nation’s environment, heritage, health and economy. Additional details are available at http://www.naspd.org.

About REI
REI is a specialty outdoor retailer, headquartered near Seattle. The nation’s largest consumer co-op, REI is a growing community of more than 6 million active members who expect and love the best quality gear, inspiring expert classes and trips, and outstanding customer service. REI has 149 stores in 36 states. If you can’t visit a store, you can shop at REI.com, REI.com/REI-Garage or the free REI shopping app. REI isn’t just about gear. You can take the trip of a lifetime with REI Adventures, a global leader in active adventure travel that runs 170 custom-designed itineraries on every continent. REI’s Outdoor School is run by professionally-trained, expert-instructors who teach beginner- to advanced-level courses about a wide range of activities. To build on the infrastructure that makes life outside possible, REI invests millions annually in hundreds of local and national nonprofits that create access to–and steward–the outdoor places that inspire us.

Saturday, November 19, 2016

On this week's program (#2016-24), Rollin' On TV learns all about lithium battery systems for RVs. And we take another look at small class C motorhomes, ...this time the Thor Gemini.

About Rollin' On TV

In production since 2010, Rollin' On TV has become one of the leading RV lifestyle television programs on the air today, reaching over 30 million homes on both cable and satellite TV. The weekly program is also available online. For more information, visit www.rollinontv.com.

Friday, November 18, 2016

Combine great scenery and history with great savings and visit a national park for free on one of 10 fee free days in 2017.

The 10 entrance fee-free days for 2017 will be:

Jan. 16: Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Feb. 20: Presidents Day

April 15-16 & April 22-23: National Park Week Weekends

Aug. 25: National Park Service Birthday

Sept. 30: National Public Lands Day

Nov. 11-12: Veterans Day Weekend

“National parks are known for their priceless beauty,” said National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis. “They are a bargain anytime but on these ten days in 2017, they really will be priceless. We want everyone to visit their national parks and the fee free days provide extra incentive to experience these amazing places.”

During the fee free days, all National Park Service sites will waive their entrance fees for all visitors. Usually, 124 of the 413 national parks charge entrance fees that range from $3 to $30. The other 289 sites do not have entrance fees. The entrance fee waiver for the fee-free days does not cover amenity or user fees for things such as camping, boat launches, transportation, or special tours.

To continue the national park adventure beyond these fee free days, the annual $80 America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Pass allows unlimited entrance to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas, including all national parks,. There are also free or discounted passes available for senior citizens, current military members, fourth grade students, and disabled citizens.

Acadia National Park

The National Park System includes more than 84 million acres and is comprised of 413 sites including national parks, national historical parks, national monuments, national recreation areas, national battlefields, and national seashores. There is at least one national park in every state.

Last year, 307 million people visited a national park. They spent $16.9 billion which supported 295,000 jobs and had a $32 billion impact on the U.S. economy.

In addition to national parks, the National Park Service works with tribes, local governments, and partners across the country to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Programs such as the National Register of Historic Places, National Heritage Areas, National Wild and Scenic Rivers, and the Rivers, Trails, Conservation Assistance Program revitalize communities, celebrate local heritage, and provide places for people to get outside, be active, and have fun.

Thursday, November 17, 2016

Thor Motor Coach has expanded its Hurricane line-up with a new 35M floor plan featuring a large open living area with double slideouts and one-and-a-half bathrooms. The luxurious 35M comes standard with solid surface kitchen countertops, leatherette fabrics, and high-sheen cabinetry.

In the cockpit, leatherette chairs provide comfort while driving and functionality while camping. Swivel the captain’s chairs around and place the coffee table in between to create a cozy dining area for two. For larger families, this area provides extra seating close to the Dream Dinette booth that seats four.

Places for a good night’s rest are located throughout the motorhome. The 35M features a walk-around Denver Mattress king size bed in the bedroom, expanding sofa, Dream Dinette booth, and a drop-down overhead bunk with a Cotton Cloud mattress that can support up to 500 pounds.

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

About We're the Russos
In 2015, Joe and Kait Russo quit their jobs, sold their home, and got rid of most of their possessions to live their dream – travel and work for themselves. Together with their rescue dog, Leo, the Russos are traveling all across North America seeking adventure. Their rig is a 2015 Newmar Bay Star, a gas motorhome coming in just shy of 30 feet. Visit their website for tons of more information about the Russos and their travels. You can also subscribe to their YouTube channel, where they have videos on RVing, Living Life on Your Terms, Following their Adventure, and more, plus they're on Twitter and Facebook. You can also help support them via their Patreon site.

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

The red rock playground better known as Moab, UT, is one of those high desert destinations that used to hunker down come late fall and winter. But not anymore.

From November to March visitors here find themselves in solitude and silence, at the same time enjoying off-season rates in one of the world’s great natural playgrounds. People who want to avoid the bustle of commercial ski resorts seek out this region for such winter pursuits as cross country and telemark skiing and snowshoeing, sledding and snowmobiling on both worked trails and back country terrain in the nearby Manti-La Sal National Forest in the La Sal Mountains rising some 12,000 feet over Moab.

While responding to the laid-back tempo of winter, Moab Adventure Center in the heart of this recreational community remains open with a selection of outdoor gear, clothing, equipment rentals and tips for visitors in its downtown store location. On request the Center also offers a wide range of guided tours. These include:

To speed things up so people can slow themselves down, the region now has scheduled daily air service from Denver, CO, and Salt Lake City, UT.

Because there’s a lot of energy here, locals arrange events for themselves to enjoy with out-of-town visitors. A few upcoming fall and winter highlights include:

Nov. 24-27:Moab International Film Festival - Showcasing films which inspire change for the better in our world. $5 tickets and $30 passes are available at Canyonlands Copy Center, The T-Shirt Shop, Back of Beyond Books, or online. For more info visit moabfilmfestival.orgor call 801-309-6887.

Dec. 2-3:Winter Sun 10K - A fast course, great raffle prizes and delicious finish food make the 34rd annual Winter Sun 10K a good reason to visit Moab when the air is crisp and the skies are blue and sunny. For more info visit: moabhalfmarathon.com/wintersun/index.cfm or call 435-259-4525.

Feb. 18:Moab Red Hot 55k/33k - The Moab Red Hot was voted Most Beautiful Trail Race In America by Running Times Magazine. For more info visit GrassRootsEvents.net or call 435-260-0886.

Feb. 25-26: The Trashion Show - Winter's most fun party! Design and dress up in your best upcycled outfit for this raging runway and dance party. All proceeds go towards education programs and events helping to create a culture of conscious consumption and wise use of resources in the community. For more info call 435-260-8931.

Mar. 25: Behind the Rocks Ultra – This run was created to highlight Moab's last hidden gem, the Behind the Rocks Wilderness Area. The course was designed to highlight the technical slickrock trails of Moab, the views of the Behind the Rocks Wilderness area, and the snow-capped La Sal Mountains. For more info visit madmooseevents.com or call 719-429-9501.

Mar. 25-27:Moab Rocks Mountain Bike Stage Race - Enjoy some of the region’s best classic and new routes including Klondike, Porcupine Rim and Mag 7. Combined, they are a 3-day masterpiece of XC and timed descents in a fully supported format. All this wrapped up in a fun and friendly atmosphere combining camaraderie and competition. TransRockies Events pioneered Mountain Bike Stage Racing in North America with the TransRockies Challenge in 2002, and the 3-day race format with 2009’s TR3. For more info visit transrockies.com/moab-rocks/ or call 877-373-3376.

Unlike more blustery parts of the United States, winter temperatures in the Moab region are moderate, with daytime highs averaging 44°F in December, 43°F in January, 52°F in February and 63°F in March. There is little to no precipitation. Scenery changes very little from season to season. Juniper trees stay green year-round. Cottonwood trees grow in the bottom of washes and lose their leaves. The main attractions - the red sandstone formations - take on a richer hue in moist conditions and transform themselves when flocked with snow. Heavy snowfall is uncommon. Snow usually melts quickly in sunny areas but may accumulate in shady spots. Winter hikers need to be prepared to cross snow on some trail sections and to use care on icy trails. Most go through areas where there is plenty of sunshine making it very pleasant to hike during the day. Typically all that’s needed is a jacket. Spring comes early in the Arches area. By late February, tiny wild flowers are starting to push through the soil and nighttime temperatures are moderating. February is a great month to visit the national parks.

About Moab Adventure Center

Moab Adventure Center is a division of Western River Expeditions (www.westernriver.com), an adventure travel company headquartered in Salt Lake City, with operations and offices in Moab and Fredonia, AZ. The company is the largest single tour provider in Moab. The Moab Adventure Center is located at 225 South Main St., Moab, UT 84532. For information and reservations please call (435) 259-7019 or (866) 904-1163 or send an email from http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/contact/. The center also has a 2,000-square-foot retail space selling adventure related gear and clothing as well as souvenirs.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Thor's Hammer hoodoo on the Navajo Trail

Hannah's Christmas Carol

"Hannah's Christmas Carol" is an e-Book I wrote that tells the story of 10-year-old Hannah who, at the prodding of the school bully, is forced to say she doesn’t believe in Santa Claus. Hannah regrets saying it, but deep down she is also wondering whether obnoxious Amanda Crumple is right and Santa is “just a big fat lie.” To help her sort through her emotions, two elves from the Elvish Intervention, Education & Indoctrination Order (E.I.E.I.O.) come alive from her family’s Christmas Village display. Like "A Christmas Carol," which Hannah’s class just so happens to be performing at her school’s Winter Pageant, the two take her on a magical journey through Christmases Past, Present and Future. Will Hannah come to believe in Santa? Poignant, funny and delightfully descriptive, "Hannah’s Christmas Carol" is a holiday treat for anyone who believes in Santa. Click on the book cover for purchase information (just $2.99) for your Kindle, Nook or computer.

Cheeseburger in Caseville 2010

Random guy in the crowd

Grand Canyon National Park

REI camping

Glacier National Park

Apikuni Falls

Cornhole anyone?

Luke and Ben with their new cornhole designs, which they painted themselves.

Frank Stella Appears in New Masters Series at Toledo Museum of Art Peristyle TOLEDO, OHIO – Frank Stella, a 2010 winner of the U.S. Nation...

Grand Canyon National Park

Badlands National Park

Camping World

Crazy Hats in Caseville

One of the contests at Cheeseburger in Caseville is Most Decorated Crazy Hat.

Death Valley National Park

Camping World

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